Funeral held for slain Chicago police Officer John Rivera

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family and friends gathered Friday morning to say their final goodbyes to slain Chicago police Officer John Rivera.

Besides being a Chicago police officer, Rivera was a beloved member of his neighborhood. His fellow officers carried his casket into the Church of the Annunciata ahead of his funeral as mourners crowded the streets nearby.

The casket carrying fallen Chicago Police Officer John Rivera is carried into the Church of the Annunciata Friday morning.

Officer Rivera's heartbroken mother, grappling with the loss, wore her son's pin. People with no connection to Rivera came out to show support. Long lines of students carrying balloons, flags and signs wrapped around the procession line to honor him.

Rivera's partner released a heartfelt message, saying in part, "Even though your life was violently taken away too soon, I thank God for bringing us together. You were my right hand and someone I could always count on."

Sharing the beautiful & heartfelt tribute Officer Nate Smith (below) paid to his partner, his friend and his Brother Officer John Rivera (also pictured below with a hot dog bun in his pocket). This is how Officer Smith wants his Brother to be remembered 💙 pic.twitter.com/6va8uUVq8m